Matt Spaeth: Remembering Underappreciated Pittsburgh Steelers

By: Connor Deitrich | March 30, 2020

Remembering underappreciated Steelers is a new series where we will give praise to some of the forgotten or underappreciated Steelers players in recent years. Some of these guys definitely didn’t stuff the stat sheet, but they played their role and played it well. The first installment is Matt Spaeth.

Matt Spaeth isn’t a player that most non-Pittsburgh Steelers fans around the league will remember. The tight end spent seven of his nine seasons in the black and gold (playing the other two for the Chicago Bears). Spaeth wasn’t the kind of tight end that gets love from the media or most fans. He wasn’t much a receiver, but he was a great run blocker. He embraced his role and performed very well at it.

Remembering Matt Spaeth

In the 2007 NFL draft, the Steelers selected Matt Spaeth in the third round with the 77th overall pick. Spaeth was coming off an All-American, Mackey Award-winning season at Minnesota. He only recorded five catches on six targets in his rookie season for 34 total yards. Three of his five receptions went for touchdowns, though, and another for a first down. That’s the kind of player Spaeth would be his whole career. He never racked up many yards per reception, but he was reliable in goal-line or short-yardage passing situations. In fact, ten of his 55 career receptions were touchdowns and an additional 15 were for first downs. Almost half of his career receptions resulted in points or moved the chains.

The most memorable moment of Matt Spaeth’s career (other than becoming a Super Bowl champion) came against the Baltimore Ravens in 2014. In that game, Ben Roethlisberger set an NFL record by throwing 12 touchdown passes in a two-game span. Spaeth was on the receiving end of the record-setting 12th touchdown. Not only was he part of Roethlisberger’s record, but it was the longest reception of Spaeth’s career. On 4th and 2 with under two minutes to go, the Steelers came out in a running formation. Instead, they ran play-action and Roethlisberger found Spaeth streaking behind the defense for a 33-yard touchdown. It was Spaeth’s longest career reception by 20 yards and it was great to see how happy his teammates were for him (and Roethlisberger, of course) following the score.

Playing alongside Heath Miller, it’s no wonder why Matt Spaeth never got tons of recognition. Everyone in Steelers nation loved Miller and still do, years after his retirement. It’s especially hard to get recognition as a tight end whose only real role is to block. Spaeth worked hard, did his job, and did it well. He was respected in the locker room and a Super Bowl champion. For all of those reasons, it’s important to remember Matt Spaeth and the role he played as a Pittsburgh Steeler.

Running for a reason

Those who took part in the Gatorade/Steelers 5K are making a difference.

By Teresa Varley
September 4, 2017

As runners crossed the finish line for the 29th Annual Gatorade/Steelers 5K Race, they felt a sense of accomplishment, finishing the 3.1 race either in a personal best time, or in some cases for the first time.

They should feel a much greater sense of accomplishment.

The race is one of the main fundraising events for the Art Rooney Scholarship Fund, carrying on the memory of the late Steelers’ owner Art Rooney Sr. Three graduating seniors from North Side high schools, one from Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic and two from Perry High School through the Pittsburgh Promise, are awarded a college scholarship, helping them with the ever rising cost of education.

This year’s scholarship recipients, Dominic Serventi from Cardinal Wuerl North Catholic, and Samantha Ervin Upsher and Roman Ramsey from Perry High School,

“This It means I can go to school and study to try to make a career for myself,” said Serventi. “It’s an opportunity I might not have if it weren’t for the Steelers organization and this race. It means that I am able to afford to go to college. Funds are tight. It’s incredible. It’s a great opportunity. And it’s a great honor for them to consider me for it.”

Serventi, who will attend Robert Morris University and study actuarial science, grew up a Steelers fan, so receiving a scholarship from his favorite team is a bit overwhelming for him.

“It’s exciting,” said Serventi. “If you grow up in Pittsburgh, you grow up a Steelers fan. I played football growing up. To have them give me scholarship money, it’s crazy to think about it.

“The opportunity I am given is incredible. Everybody always looks forward to taking the next big step in their lives. Going to college is a big one.”

Matt Spaeth, who played for the Steelers from 2007-210 and 2013-15, served as the honorary captain for the race. It was an event he heard about as a player, but didn’t realize the impact it had until now. And it doesn’t surprise him.

“The Steelers are such a great organization, and the Rooney family is special” said Spaeth. “They are hands on in the daily life of Steelers football and the community, they are accessible to the players and community. I doubt any other organization compares to that. That is what makes it so special.”

Steelers Looking To Keep Running Game Humming With Matt Spaeth Back

By Matthew Marczi

March 10, 2015


Just before the official start of the free agency period, the Pittsburgh Steelers tended house, re-signing two of their own pending free agents, among them veteran tight end Matt Spaeth. He has spent six of his eight years in the league with the Steelers, and was the first offensive player drafted by head coach Mike Tomlin.

Spaeth, 31, was drafted in the third round of the 2007 draft and slowly improved as a run-blocking tight end through his first four seasons in Pittsburgh. After that, he signed a contract with the Chicago Bears, where he continued to develop, but he was released after two seasons when the team signed Martellus Bennett.

The Steelers were quick to bring Spaeth back for the 2013 season, signing him to a two-year contract. They have brought him back a second time with yet another two-year contract, which just so happens to be the same amount of years left on Heath Miller’s deal.

When he was first here, Spaeth was an undervalued commodity, perhaps in part because he was never much of a receiving threat. This proved to be true with the front office as well, however, as they did let him walk without an offer on the table.

But if there was one thing that they learned during the two intervening years, it was that they never managed to be able to replace what Spaeth gave them on the field, and their product suffered because of it.

Thus, when the opportunity arose to replace Spaeth’s replacements with Spaeth himself, they seized upon it, and his first season back was a fine indicator of just how valuable he actually is to what the Steelers look to do on the ground.

As you’ll recall, Spaeth suffered a foot injury during training camp, which caused him to miss a full three quarters of the 2013 season. The Steelers struggled to be productive on the ground working with marginal talents and failed offensive tackles at the tight end position.

The running game spiked upward during the month of December, however, when Spaeth finally returned to the lineup, with Le’Veon Bell finally achieving the elusive feat of his first 100-yard rushing game in Week 16.

In his sophomore year, Bell rushed for over 1300 yards to lead the AFC and broke the franchise record for all-purpose yards, averaging 4.7 yards per carry. Spaeth was featured prominently in some of Bell’s best ground performances on the season, coincidentally.

Re-signing a reserve tight end may not be the most exciting move happening around the league right now, but locking up Spaeth has a big impact on what the Steelers are able to do on offense, which, if I may remind you, was more productive than all but one offense last year in team history.

Spaeth’s size, strength, and versatility makes him a great asset. He can block defensive ends or get out on the move to pull block on a safety on the perimeter. Not to mention, it helps free up Miller from doing much of the grunt work on his own, keeping him fresher as a receiving option.

Seeing the value in Steelers TE Matt Spaeth

By KiwiSteelerFan

December 11, 2014

It's a thankless job, being the second tight end on a dynamic offense like the Steelers. Antonio Brown needs to get the ball, so there's 60 percent of the team's targets. Le'Veon Bell needs to run the ball, so there's even fewer passes to go around. Add in Heath Miller, a player with his own fan-stamped yell for each catch he gets.

There really just isn't anything left for Steelers TE Matt Spaeth. But he's making it work anyway.

Here are the offensive snap count percentages for each game played so far.



Heading into Week 15, there's a pattern developing. Check out Matt Spaeth's snap-count percentages this season. When he's in, he's there to block both on passing and running plays, and he has been a major factor in the improved play of the Steelers' offense. His snap-count is almost directly proportional to how well the offense goes.

Going through and looking at our best and worst offensive performances of the year, this makes for an interesting read. Some of the best performances the Steelers' offense has had this season were against Carolina, Indianapolis and Baltimore, as well as that that monster rushing effort from Bell against the Titans and last weekend's destruction of the Bengals. Some of the worst performances were at Baltimore in Week 2, at Cleveland, the Jets and the Saints games.

Although against the Saints we actually ended up producing quite a lot of yardage, most of it came when the game was already over. The Buccaneers game was another low-light.

In all of our best offensive performances, Spaeth's snaps are well over 30 percent and often nudging on 50 percent. In the worst offensive performances, he's well under 30 percent, bottoming out at 5 percent in probably our worst performance of the year, the embarrassment in Baltimore.

Does Spaeth being in there blocking in both the running and passing games boost us more than any other single player? There's probably good reason to wonder about it. As maligned as Spaeth was during his first stint as a Steeler, it's clear that he is, at least now, an excellent blocker for both the run and pass games. He's helping open big holes for Bell but, perhaps more importantly, he's helping keep Ben vertical and unharrassed. And when he does, even though we're a receiver short, it doesn't matter because the Steelers have three guys who can get open on anyone given time.

More Spaeth please.

Matt Spaeth tops PFF grades for Steelers in win over Ravens

By Neal Coolong

November 3, 2014

It wasn't the prettiest game on earth, particularly from an offensive standpoint.

The Steelers ran away from the Baltimore Ravens starting in the second quarter, fueled by a pass rush that appears to be more of a reality than a mirage. Leading that pass rush was veteran James Harrison, who was given a 4.8 grade from NFL plays evaluation web site Pro Football Focus in Pittsburgh's 43-23 win over the Baltimore Ravens Sunday.

Harrison had two sacks in the game and made life miserable for Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco. Cameron Heyward was also frequently in the backfield, earning a 4.1 grade as the second-highest Steelers player graded in the game.

Cornerback Antwon Blake received a 2.3 to round out the top scorers on defense.

Outside linebacker Jason Worilds scored a -4.7, the only defensive player in the red for the Steelers.

Offensively, despite scoring 43 points, PFF didn't view the Steelers' performance as particularly outstanding. Tight end Matt Spaeth had a heads-up release on a botched extra point in the first half that netted the two-point conversion on a throw from punter Brad Wing, as well as a nice catch on a late touchdown pass from Ben Roethlisberger. It earned him a 2.2 grade, the highest among the offensive players.

Ben Roethlisberger scored a 2.1, joining Spaeth as the only two Steelers players to earn a positive grade higher than 2.0.

The Steelers offensive line, Ramon Foster in particular (-4.8), had a rough outing only one week after performing quite well against the Colts. But it's understandable, given the talent level of their opponents. Tight end Heath Miller had a -2.1, the second-lowest offensive score.

Pittsburgh moved to 6-3 on the season, and the mark of a good team is winning ugly. Generally, we agree with these scores (Foster was the lone member of the Losers list in our Winners and Losers column, and Harrison and Blake were on the Winners list. Honorable mention would have gone to Spaeth and Heyward). PFF does an initial grading, then revisits it later when all the film becomes available. We wouldn't expect these grades to drop or rise much, though.

St. Michael Star Matt Spaeth Shines in Bears Win over Vikings

In his second season as a Chicago Bear, the workmanlike effort from the former STMA football star is winning over fans in the Midway.

By Mike Schoemer

November 28, 2012

Former St. Michael-Albertville football and basketball standout Matt Spaeth picked a great time to make a "highlight reel" catch.

On a key drive for the Chicago Bears in the second half, Spaeth broke for the corner of the end zone and dove for a 13-yard pass from Jay Cutler, hanging on to make it a 25-3 lead for the home squad.

The catch–and Spaeth’s success in helping shore up a battered Bears offensive line–is earning the hometown favorite some praise both in Chicago and here in the Twin Cities.

Longtime scribe Sid Hartman cornered Spaeth after Sunday’s win, which put the Bears two games clear of the Vikes in the NFC North standings, to ask him about the play and the Bears’ season.

Patrick Reusse, Star Tribune columnist and ESPN radio host, said the catch took him back to a 2001 playoff game in St. Michael when the Knights topped Class 4A powerhouse Hutchinson.

And the AP captured Spaeth’s catch in front of Vikings’ safety Jamarca Sanford, showing him struggling to keep his body inbounds to make the play.

Finally, the Chicago Daily Herald awarded the tight end one of its “Game Balls” for the key play.

Columnist Mike Spellman wrote:

“[Brandon] Marshall will have a ton more opportunities down the road and the same might not be said for tight end Matt Spaeth. So, for your tremendous catch in the end zone which broke the game open, Matt Spaeth, this game ball’s for you.”

Bears' Spaeth draws praise

By TOM MUSICK

October 3, 2012

LAKE FOREST – For much of his six-year career, Matt Spaeth has hidden in plain sight.

The Bears’ blocking tight end came out of anonymity for at least a few minutes Wednesday as quarterback Jay Cutler praised him for his role on the team. Spaeth was on the field for 60 percent of the offense’s snaps Monday against Dallas, and he helped J’Marcus Webb in pass protection while also filling in for injured teammate Evan Rodriguez as a run blocker.

“He’s a wild card in our offense,” Cutler said. “He moves around a lot. We ask him to do a lot of different roles in the passing game and the running game.

“[He] doesn’t get the credit he deserves. Week-in and week-out he’s a guy you can count on, no matter what we ask him to do.”

Spaeth said he appreciated the compliments, but he was fine without being in the headlines.

“To be honest with you, I don’t really care if I don’t get the credit,” Spaeth said. “I want to be out there, I want to play football. My thing has been, since I’ve been here, I’ll do whatever they ask me to do."

Spaeth also can be effective as a receiver, although that is not his primary responsibility. He has caught 44 passes for 329 yards and seven touchdowns in six seasons, which included 60 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers and 19 games (and counting) with the Bears.

Unsung Hero: Tight End Matt Spaeth's Blocking Against Cowboys

WRITTEN BY JAKE PERPER

OCTOBER 2, 2012

Tight end Matt Spaeth didn’t show up on the stat sheet on Monday night against the Cowboys. He didn’t even reel in a single catch, but he came up big all night long.

Spaeth is in his sixth season in the NFL and he has made an impact as a blocker. He spent four seasons in Pittsburgh (07-10) before coming to the Bears last off-season.

He filled in for injured fullback Evan Rodriguez as the lead blocker against Dallas. He also lined up in his usual spot on the line as a natural tight end.

He did a great job at paving lanes for running backs Matt Forte and Michael Bush. Despite an injured ankle, Matt Forte was able to be successful and Spaeth lining up in front of him certainly helped.

He helped out J’Marcus Webb and Gabe Carimi on both sides of the offensive line, helping to slow down the best pass rusher in the NFL.

The offensive line allowed only two sacks on the night and one of those came in garbage time, the first came with Cutler holding onto the football for nearly five seconds.

Spaeth was a big reason that the Bears protection up front was so good. J’Marcus Webb had a couple issues with DE DeMarcus Ware, but for the most part held his own.

There were numerous plays that Spaeth held his own against Ware not allowing him to pressure Cutler. Despite a false start in the first quarter, Spaeth was almost flawless.

Take away that forced fumble by Ware and the offensive line played its best game by far all season. Cutler completed 18 of 24 of his pass attempts. A big reason for that was the protection up front allowing Cutler ample time in the pocket, and the receivers were able to gain separation.

At times, the Bears used backup guard Chris Spencer in the backfield as a lead blocker, while they used Matt Spaeth on the line as a tight end. Spaeth alongside fellow TE Kellen Davis did a solid job on Monday night.

Despite the talent on the Cowboys defense, the Bears offensive line really made it easy for Cutler to complete passes with time and ease.

Spaeth provided double team help for Webb and Carimi to protect the Cowboys pass rushers as well. Because of Spaeth’s performance he’s the unsung hero from the Bears Week Four 34-18 win in Dallas.

The Bears should continue to use Spaeth both on the offensive line as a tight end and in the backfield as a fullback. He will continue to be an integral part of the Bears success in the battle of the trenches.

Matt Spaeth Tournament Raises Thousands for Sports, Hanover Food Shelf

Former St. Michael-Albertville standout and now Chicago Bear Matt Spaeth presents a check to the Hanover Food Shelf for $7,000, raised at his annual golf tournament in June

By Mike Schoemer

August 10, 2012


Super Bowl Champion and second-year Chicago Bear Matt Spaeth, a former Minnesota Gopher standout and St. Michael-Albertville native, has literally raised thousands of dollars now for local charities and organizations with his summer golf tournament.

This year was no different.

Spaeth and the St. Michael-Albertville Football Boosters would like to thank everyone who made the 2012 Matt Spaeth Charity Golf Tournament a huge success.

A total of $7,000 was donated to the Hanover Food Shelf, and $3000 will be given to the STMA Student Fund to help students at STMA High School.

The tournament was held June 29 at Fox Hollow Golf Course.

Bears Bring Holiday Cheer to Cancer Patients at Comer Children’s Hospital

Phil Zielke (left), Bears tight end Matt Spaeth (center) and defensive tackle Anthony Adams (right) visit with Jatorie Finleypowers at Comer Children's Hospital at the University of Chicago.

November 27, 2011


Volunteers from Phil’s Friends and members of the Chicago Bears spread a little holiday cheer to cancer patients and their families at the University of Chicago’s Comer Children’s Hospital on Monday.

Offensive tight end Matt Spaeth and defensive tackle Anthony Adams delivered care packages to the children in the hospital with the help of Phil Zielke, founder of the Phil's Friends charity.

“It’s such a joy to receive a care package during a time when you’re battling a disease that takes so much from you not only physically, but also emotionally,” said Zielke. “We are blessed to have the Chicago Bears take time to help us bring hope and happiness to the brave children battling cancer.”

Zielke was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkin’s lymphoma and began aggressive chemotherapy at the University of Chicago Medical Center in 2004. He thought he had beat cancer five months later, and began teaching fourth grade. Zielke relapsed after six months and faced even harsher treatment, including a stem cell transplant. In November 2005, he was cancer-free and launched Phil’s Friends.

“We are honored to have the opportunity to work with Phil and the Phil’s Friends organization to put smiles on the faces of courageous patients and loved ones this holiday season,” said Ray McElroy, chaplain of the Chicago Bears.

Sharon O'Keefe, president of the University of Chicago Medical Center, helped escort Zielke and his large guests through the hospital. She is an avid Bears fan and discusses her NFL picks every weekend with the Medical Center staff.

St. Michael's Spaeth Hands Hanover Food Shelf Huge Check

St. Michael-Albertville grad and NFL player Matt Spaeth presents a hefty check to Helen Skutley of the Hanover Food Shelf. The Pittsburgh Steelers tight end handed over a sizable sum to the local charity after raising more than $20,000 at his annual golf tournament.

By Mike Schoemer

July 26, 2011

Consider the 2011 Matt Spaeth Charity Golf Tournament a resounding success.

Monday, July 24, Spaeth himself stopped down to the Hanover Food Shelf to present director Helen Skutley with a check for $7,000.

That's about one-third of the more than $20,000 raised by this year's event, held last month.

Spaeth made the presentation the night before he returned to Pittsburgh to re-join the Steelers, said friend and co-host Keith Cornell.

"Matt and the STMA Football Boosters would like to thank everyone," Cornell said.

The tournament also raises money for the St. Michael-Albertville football program and for the high school's student fund.

More than 230 golfers participated in this year's tournament.

Matt Spaeth Named one of the Top 20 Golden Gophers of All Time

TE Matt Spaeth

By Drew Laing

June 2, 2011

Growing up in Minnesota, Matt Spaeth was a long time target of the Golden Gophers coming out of high school.

When Spaeth arrived on campus in 2003, he took advantage of his playing time and was named to the Rivals.com Freshman All-American Team.

Spaeth went on to start the next three years for Minnesota at tight end.

In 2005, Spaeth was named to the All-Big Ten First Team after a season where he caught 26 receptions and totaled more than 300 yards and four touchdowns.

His senior season was his most productive year. Spaeth, who would later be a First-team All-American, attained a career high in both receptions (47) and receiving yards (564).

Spaeth led his team to the Insight Bowl in 2006 and was then drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers.

St. Michael Superstar Spaeth Continues to Give Back Through Golf

Pittsburgh Steeler tight-end Matt Spaeth, a graduate of St. Michael-Albertville High School and one of the community’s brightest stars, will host his third annual charity golf tournament later this month.

By Mike Schoemer

June 2, 2011

Sundays, most St. Michael residents know one of their own is ready to lace up the cleats, and go to work on football's biggest stage.

Right now, however, Matt Spaeth is a man “without a job.”

“It’s kind of crazy to think about [the National Football League lockout]. You hope that things change soon, or it’s going to be a tough deal for a lot of guys. But, yeah, I’m not really working,” he said Wednesday from the Caribou Coffee shop in Albertville.

That’s not to say Spaeth, a standout tight end with the Minnesota Gophers, a member of the Super Bowl XLIII Champion Pittsburgh Steelers (last year’s AFC Champions), and a St. Michael-Albertville grad, isn’t busy.

Yesterday, he had meetings with a possible charitable organization that wants his time. This spring, he’s had workouts with friend and fellow NFL standout Eric Decker (they’re getting an apartment now in St. Louis Park). Soon, he’ll join Larry Fitzgerald and other NFL greats at a self-imposed mini-camp at the University of Minnesota.

Meanwhile, he’s rehabbing a sore knee (an inflamed patellar tendon) and organizing his third annual Matt Spaeth Charity Golf Tournament, set for June 24 at St. Michael’s Fox Hollow Golf Course.

“I kind of started it knowing that I wanted to give back to the community in some way, and this was a good way to do it. The golf tournaments are a pretty fun way to raise money,” Spaeth said. “I guess, really, I didn’t know what I was getting in to. It’s a lot of work on the organization end. So that first year, it was pretty interesting. But we were able to raise some money for the football program.”

The first-ever tournament brought a huge financial gift to STMA Youth Football and the high school program, which was Spaeth’s original intention. But, as the second tournament rolled around, he wanted to spread the wealth.

“I actually felt a little guilty giving it all to football, even though I wanted to help them first because really, it was youth football that got me to where I am now. But my parents and I were at church one weekend, and they were talking about the Hanover Food Shelf, and I thought that would be another great charity to get involved,” Spaeth said.

Another friend and former coach, Keith Cornell, thought of a third organization to benefit from the tournament. The St. Michael-Albertville High School Student Fund, which aids financially disadvantaged families and students, was a natural choice.

“It’s a fund that receives some government money, but like everything else, a lot of that funding had been cut,” Spaeth said. “Keith came to me with the idea and it seemed like a good fit.”

The student fund helps students pay for everything from gym shoes to ACT fees and college application costs.

Friends who are involved with the tournament know how important the event is to Spaeth, and how hard he works to make it a success.

“He’s really taken in on as a responsibility each year, and it’s a fun way for him to give back,” said longtime friend Dan Zachman. “One thing you realize about Matt is that he’s just a genuine guy. None of the success has changed him at all. He comes back to St. Michael and he’s the same. He doesn’t let it go to his head.”

For more information on the tournament, or to get involved, check out the website here, or visit Fox Hollow’s website. If you’d like to give to Spaeth’s charities, you can do so here, without even swinging a club.

If you don’t play, don’t worry. Big No. 89 won’t be golfing, either.

“I don’t golf, so I’ll be out there meeting with people and thanking them for coming out,” Spaeth said. “That’s kind of my job for the day.”

St. Michael cheers on Steelers' Spaeth

By Frank Rajkowski

February 6, 2011
Ken Spaeth has done all this before.

But watching your son play in the Super Bowl never really gets old.

Spaeth is the father of former St. Michael-Albertville and University of Minnesota standout Matt Spaeth, now in his fourth season as a tight end with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who take on the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl XLV at 5:30 p.m. (CST) today in Arlington, Texas.

And as he was two years ago, when the Steelers beat Arizona 27-23 in Super Bowl XLIII in Tampa, Fla., Spaeth will be on hand today to cheer his son on.

“It’s a pretty cool feeling,” Spaeth said. “The Super Bowl is the game of the year and to have your son participating in it is pretty amazing.”

Spaeth, who himself played football at Nebraska and was drafted by the Buffalo Bills, left for Texas this past Thursday. But he didn’t expect to spend too much time with Matt before the game.

“You get to see them a little bit,” Spaeth said. “They’re all pretty busy getting ready for the game. But you’re able to go out for supper with him and do stuff like that.”

Spaeth graduated from St. Michael-Albertville in 2002 after a career that saw him earn All-Wright County Conference two times.

Knights coach Earl Bauman said he was the first football player in his now-31 seasons at the school to go on to play at the Division I level.

“A lot of high school kids, when they get hurt, will leave the game,” Bauman said. “But I remember he dislocated one of his fingers in a playoff game and he ran over to the medical people. They pushed his finger back in and taped it up. He then sprinted right back onto the field and lined up again.”

Bauman said Spaeth maintains strong ties to the St. Michael and Albertville areas.

“He’s made a donation to the weight room at our school, he runs a camp for little kids, he puts on a golf tournament that raises money,” Bauman said.

“He is just an unbelievably super human being. Just a great young man.”

Spaeth makes key block in Steelers win over Ravens

By Mike Prisuta

January 18, 2011

In looking at the last game, Mike Prisuta learned that Matt Spaeth has taken a big step toward redeeming himself from the last Jets game.

When the Jets last visited Heinz Field back in December Matt Spaeth dropped a touchdown pass when he wasn’t even the intended target, then lamented afterward that he’d “let my teammates down and the team down and the city down.”

As devastated as he was back on Dec. 19, Spaeth vowed not to be deterred.

“I’ll be back,” he insisted. “I’ll bounce back from this and I’m gonna make plays for this team down the road.”

True to his word, Spaeth made one last Saturday against the Ravens.

He didn’t catch a touchdown pass, but for the Steelers the block Spaeth threw on Baltimore monster Haloti Ngata on third-and-goal from the Ravens’ 2-yard line with 1:39 remaining in regulation was the next best thing.

It allowed Rashard Mendenhall to cut back into the end zone and score the touchdown that got the Steelers into their fifth AFC Championship Game in the last 10 seasons.

“It was actually kind of an outside run to the left side and it kind of got turned back,” Spaeth explained. “I was on the back side of the play and I had to get Haloti Ngata cut off, which isn’t always an easy thing to do.”

The play got turned back because Chris Kemoeatu was thrown aside by Ravens defensive tackle Brandon McKinney, a development that rendered useless the blocks that had been thrown on the left side by fullback Doug Legursky (on safety Haruki Nakamura) and Heath Miller (who blasted linebacker Terrell Suggs off the TV screen).

A cutback lane was available for Mendenhall because Spaeth was able to get in front of Ngata – who was chipped initially by Trai Essex – and hold on.

“I got down inside of him and walled him off and (Mendenhall) kind of came back inside of me and was able to get in,” Spaeth said. “Haloti Ngata is just an unbelievable player and athlete. He’s a freak, he really is, to be as big as he is and move the way he does. Trai did a good job in giving me a little help and buying me just enough time to get inside of him.

“I had to kind of lose a little ground just to get in front of him. Then, as soon as you get in front of him you have to try to turn him back and keep him wide while he has all of his 350 pounds of momentum going forward.”

Mendenhall still had to fight his way through a muddle of bodies at the goal line (Essex helped there, too, pushing the pile). But had it not been for Spaeth’s block on Ngata the Steelers would have been kicking a field goal from the 4. And who knows what would have happened then?

Spaeth said he’s thinking more about what the Jets game means than his contribution toward helping to get them this far. But if he really believed that he had “let my teammates down and the team down and the city down,” the last time, he can at least enter the Jets rematch with a clean slate thanks to his block on Ngata, who -- this just in -- isn’t often blocked.

“It helps,” Spaeth said. “We’re in the playoffs. We won. We get to play the Jets in a game to go to the Super Bowl. I’m not really thinking about that (last) game.

“Looking back and looking at the film and meeting with the coaches, I played really well; I just kinda came up short in the end for my team. I’m not going to let that weigh me down. We get another shot at them this weekend.”

Spaeth learning a new language

July 9, 2009

By Teresa Varley

Tight end Matt Spaeth is a soft-spoken, quiet guy, but he his recent actions speak volumes about the type of person he is.

Spaeth has made several visits to the Western Pennsylvania School for the Deaf, most recently learning sign language so that he can communicate with the hearing impaired.

“I have always had an interest in it,” said Spaeth. “I never took it as a class. In college I had teammates that took it as a second language. On away trips I had teammates that would teach me it on the plane.”

Spaeth is used to a lot of information coming at him fast and furious in offensive meetings when the game-plan is installed, but it was a whole different story when he got his first signing lesson.

“It’s amazing how fast they do it,” said Spaeth. “It’s new to me, but it seems like they are going a million miles an hour. One of the first things they taught me to sign was can you repeat it slower. They have to really go slow for me. For my first time I thought it went well. I picked it up fast.”

His first lesson included most of the basics, learning the alphabet, numbers and normal greetings such as what is your name and how are you doing. He also learned a few things that the kids in the class thought might benefit a football player.

“They taught me football stuff,” said Spaeth. “One of the things they taught me to sign was, ‘You’re blind ref.’ There were a few other things I shouldn’t say but are funny. They showed me how to say hi to them if the camera was on me.

“I was recently at a baseball game and I saw some people signing. I wish I knew more so I could have gone over there and tried talking to them. I didn’t remember enough.”

He is hoping that next time he sees someone signing he will be able to communicate with them. He plans on being a regular visitor to the school, learning as much as he can.

“It was a very enjoyable experience,” said Spaeth. “It was a small group I worked with. At first everyone was a little shy. But by the end of the time I was there we were having a good time. They were saying some funny things that had to be translated for me and it was fun.”

Steelers' Matt Spaeth promotes healthy approach for high school athletes

September 25, 2008

By Teresa Varley

The Steelers reached out to local high schools this week to promote healthy living and reduce the use of steroids and drugs among high school athletes as a part of the NFL’s Atlas & Athena School Program.

Athletes from five local High Schools, Hampton, Penns Manor, North Hills, West Allegheny and Baldwin, attended a seminar at Heinz Field that focused on the importance of nutrition and exercise.

Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth spoke to the group and let them know you can achieve your dreams and goals the right way, which is drug free.

“You can get to the level where you want to be and do the things that you want to do and dream of doing without using illegal substances,” said Spaeth. “If you get rest, eat right and work hard then you can accomplish anything you want.”

Spaeth used his approach as an example given that he maintains a healthy diet, staying away from fast food, and is a regular in the weight room. He is hoping that his words help to diminish the perception that steroids are needed in order to gain an edge.

“I think it’s big for them to see us and we can show them you can get to this level without doing that stuff,” said Spaeth. “You hear a lot about steroids and kids get wrong perception that they are everywhere and that is not the case.”

Steelers, Matt Spaeth turn to yoga

Steelers fever takes new meaning with hot yoga

September 24, 2008

By Abra Metz-Dworkin

Steelers tight end Matt Spaeth is helped with a yoga pose by instructor Karen Conley during an optional yoga class available as part of their in-season regimen at the Steelers' South Side training facility. Ms. Conley, along with her husband, Sean Conley, below, a former NFL player, are co-owners of three yoga studios under the name of Amazing Yoga and began teaching yoga to the Steelers in spring 2007.

Spotlight on Matt Spaeth

TE Miller To Lose Reps To Rookie Spaeth?

July 24, 2007
By Paul Eide

With news circulating of Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians plan to use multiple receiver sets in 2007, and with the team investing a third round pick on a tight end, speculation has arisen about third year player Heath Miller's role in the offense. Miller was largely a forgotten man in 2006 and failed to reach expectations in his second year.

After opening the NFL's inaugural game of the 2006 season with 101 yards and a touchdown versus the Dolphins, Miller had only 292 yards over the next 15 games. To further emphasize how statistically underwhelming Miller was consider this: aside from his opening day game performance he failed to total more than 35 receiving yards in any other game. This is especially troubling considering quarterback Ben Roethlisberger set career highs in attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns in 2007.

Matt Spaeth (6-7, 270), out of Minnesota, was selected by the Steelers in the third round of this year's NFL Draft. He is the all-time career leader for the Gophers in receiving yards (1,291) and receptions (109) by a tight end breaking the records set by current Colts tight end Ben Utect. As a senior, he won the John Mackey Award as the nation's top tight end after finishing with 47 receptions for 564 yards (12.0 avg.) and four touchdowns.

A two-time All-Big Ten first-team honoree, Spaeth finished his career with 12 receiving touchdowns. For all the accolades he received thanks to his work as a target in the passing game, Spaeth established a reputation as one of the best blocking tight ends in the country.

Nicknamed "Big Money" for his ability to gain first downs and touchdowns, Heath Miller was a three-year starter at tight end for the University of Virginia. He led ACC tight ends in receiving every year of his college career and he was the 2004 recipient of the John Mackey Award. He finished his career holding ACC records for most career receptions (144), yards (1703) and touchdowns (20) by a tight end.

After a promising rookie season that culminated with the Steelers winning the Super Bowl, many felt Miller took a step backward last season. Miller was called upon to block more last year than in his rookie season but that alone does not account for his lack of production. Miller's statistics declined across the board and he accumulated less catches, yards and touchdowns than in 2005.

Regardless of who gets the most work, the Steelers have solidified the tight end position with two players who contribute to an offense in multiple ways, something head coach Mike Tomlin is willing to utilize.

"I am a three tight end guy. We value the tight end without a doubt," said Tomlin. "You can get in a two-tight end set or multiple tight-end sets, it creates problems because of the number of gaps along the line of scrimmage that you have to defend. Matt's a big guy. He's got very good hands, and good route savvy. When it came time to pick Matt specifically, he was clearly the highest rated guy on our board. We really think that Matt can come in and give us another dimension at tight end."

Mackey Award Winner Matt Spaeth Gets Ready For The Next Level

NFL Draft Preview
Courtesy: University of Minnesota

April 26, 2007

GS.com: Is there anything from the draft process that surprised you?

Matt Spaeth: No. I felt like my agent and all the people around me really had me well prepared for everything that I was going to face whether it was questions at the combine or different things about the visits. I had a pretty good idea about everything.